Maryland hero Derik Queen enters NBA draft

Field Level Media|published: 04/05/2025, 4:08pm EDT

Mar 23, 2025; Seattle, WA, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Derik Queen (25) drives to the basket against Colorado State Rams forward Jaylen Crocker-Johnson (8) in the first half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Maryland big man Derik Queen is saying good-bye to the school after one season and declaring for the NBA draft.

The 6-foot-10 Queen made his announcement on ESPN, saying "I'm entering the 2025 NBA Draft."

The star freshman from Baltimore averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds in 36 games for the Terrapins. The first-team All-Big Ten selection is projected to be a lottery pick and could move into the top 10.

Queen's ability to handle pressure was on display in the second round of the NCAA Tournament when he made the decisive game-ending bank shot in a 72-71 victory over Colorado State that vaulted the Terrapins into the Sweet 16.

Queen finished his season with 27 points in an 87-71 loss to Florida.

Asked for his top memories at Maryland, just one exploit was mentioned.

"Of course, the Colorado State shot," Queen said. "Then me and my teammates being around each other all the time, those are my guys and I'm going to miss those moments."

--Field Level Media